mcmap
github.com
What it is
mcmap creates isometric pixel-art maps from Minecraft save files. It reads saves from the standard folders on Linux, macOS and Windows, and produces a PNG image by default; an option divides maps into square image tiles. Rendering settings include circular or coordinate-bounded areas, dimension selection, shading, lighting, water and beacon toggles, and map direction. A JSON color file lets users customize block colors and rendering types. The renderer uses all computer threads and processes terrain in batches. Rendering a whole map at once may require 10+ GB of RAM, and a fragment-size option can manage batch size. Use is through a terminal or PowerShell, with an experimental GUI available for Windows. The v3.0.0 release specifies Minecraft 1.13+ support. The project is distributed under GPL-3.0, with precompiled binaries and source code available for free. Building it uses CMake and depends on zlib, PNG, fmt and spdlog. The project notes that merged batches can produce visible lines in oceans; changing fragment size or water rendering settings may help.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- mcmap creates isometric renders of Minecraft save files as pixel-art maps.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- License
- The repository is distributed under the GPL-3.0 license.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Maker
- The GitHub profile identifies the account as Jean-Baptiste Skutnik and lists Paris, France.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Build requirements
- The project uses CMake and depends on zlib, PNG, fmt, and spdlog libraries.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Compatibility
- The project README says it is compatible with newer Minecraft versions, and the v3.0.0 release specifies Minecraft 1.13+ support.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Custom colors
- Users can customize block colors and rendering types with a JSON color file.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Input
- It reads Minecraft save files from the standard saves folders on Linux, macOS, and Windows.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Known rendering issue
- The README notes that merging render batches can create visible lines in oceans and suggests changing fragment size or water rendering settings.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Large maps
- The README says rendering a whole map at once may require 10+ GB of RAM and provides a fragment-size option to manage rendering batches.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Output
- The default output is a PNG image, and an option can split the map into square image tiles.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Platform use
- The README says the program is used through a terminal or PowerShell on Linux, macOS, or Windows, with an experimental GUI available for Windows.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Rendering options
- Options include circular or coordinate-bounded renders, dimension selection, shading, lighting, water and beacon toggles, and map direction.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Support channel
- The latest release notes invite users to use repository discussions to request changes and report bugs or incompatibilities.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Threading
- The renderer uses all computer threads to render terrain in batches.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Reads saves on Linux, macOS and Windows.
- Exports PNG maps and square image tiles.
- Custom colors and multiple rendering controls.
- Free GPL-3.0 software with binaries and source.
Limits
- Whole-map rendering may require 10+ GB of RAM.
- Use is primarily through terminal or PowerShell.
- Windows GUI is experimental.
- Merged batches can leave visible ocean lines.
Who it suits
mcmap suits Minecraft players who want image maps from save files and are comfortable using a terminal or PowerShell. Windows users can also try its experimental GUI.
Verdict
mcmap offers detailed render controls and customizable colors for turning saves into map images. Consider its command-line workflow, memory needs and noted batch-rendering artifact before processing large worlds.
Where Specifiction places it
- Minecraft World Map Viewers#8 of 227.8